Armature Works Elopement | Keila + Kelli

Keila and Kelli’s Armature Works elopement was a nod to their first dates and all the things they love to do together. Every part of their day was intentional from the post-ceremony chicken tenders at Empamamas to the surprise Lady Whistledown social paper dedicated to their love story to the sultry cigar lounge back in Ybor City. After all, being able to create a celebration that intertwines what makes the two of you…you is what eloping is all about.

As a Tampa elopement photographer, it is my mission to help couples to create intimate yet fun-focused stress‑free days like these. After learning more about Keila and Kelli’s story and their favorite hobbies, we created the perfect Tampa elopement itinerary. An elopement day that was fast paced yet romantic and included all their favorite activities.

Jump to what you’re looking for…

• Planning Their Armature Works Elopement
• Their Armature Works Elopement
  • Getting Ready with a Surprise
  • Vows in front of the Hillsborough River
  • Celebratory Lunch at Armature Works
  • Cigars & Champagne in Ybor City
• Thinking About Planning Your Armature Works Elopement?
• Armature Works Elopement Vendors
• Armature Works Elopement Photography
• Meet Your Armature Works Elopement Photographer

Planning Their Armature Works Elopement

Keila and Kelli’s elopement vision was all about creating a day that was deeply personal and romantic. Since the day was centered around what brought them together and how their love grew as a couple, Keila and Kelli already had a ton of great activities lined up like grabbing chicken tenders at at Empamamas, playing Flamecraft on the Armature Works lawn, walking the boardwalk along the Hillsborough River, and visiting their favorite Ybor cigar shop, Tabanero Cigars.

The hardest part of their elopement day was getting permission from Armature Works to capture their adventures around the property. If you’re considering adding Armature Works to your elopement day, it’s important to know that unless you’ve booked a venue/reception there, you’re not allowed to get married on their property. However, you CAN take photos after your ceremony with permission. So if you plan to wing it and show up taking photos without permission, you will promptly be asked to leave by security. In fact, it took less than 5 minutes for a security guard to ask if I had permission.

That’s why having an experienced Tampa elopement photographer can be the difference between being kicked out and being able to enjoy your wedding day! An elopement photographer can help guide you with permits and permission or pivot your plans if necessary.

Their Armature Works Elopement

Getting Ready with a Surprise

A few weeks before their elopement, Keila emailed me about wanting to surprise Kelli with (to date the most romantic thing I’ve ever witnessed a couple do) a customized Lady Whistledown social paper she made. If you’re not familiar with the Netflix show Bridgerton, this is a huge part of the show where Lady Whistledown writes about the social happenings in the Ton and Kelli is a HUGE fan. Keila had made this particular edition to talk about their love story.

We had brainstormed some ideas on how we can make this reallyyyy romantic and after some back and forth, Keila decided that she would dress up as a messenger and surprise Kelli while she was getting ready by hand delivering a stack of the social papers. BUT WAIT, IT GETS BETTER. Not only would Kelli read her own edition of the social paper (where she was named Diamond of the Season), but Keila created a Julie Andrew’s voice over to read the story out loud…just like the show. Swoon.

Vows in front of the Hillsborough River

After Kelli got ready at Adore Bridal Hair and Makeup, we headed towards the riverwalk near Armature Works for their ceremony. We scouted a spot under the oak trees that was semi-private and off the board walk to keep from being interrupted during their vows. Their ceremony was heartfelt and intimate having read their own vows to each other witnessed only by their long time friend.

Celebratory Lunch at Armature Works

After the ceremony, it was time to explore Armature Works! We started the adventure hanging out on the lawn in the iconic Adirondack chairs before heading inside for some celebratory lunch. Keila and Kelli love this place called Empamamas where they serve up these delicious chicken tenders. It’s always been a running joke that Kelli cuts up Keila’s tenders so, of course, their elopement day was no different. After capturing some portraits around Armature Works, Keila and Kelli set up a round of their favorite game, Flamecraft! It was an iconic end to adventures at Armature Works.

Cigars & Champagne in Ybor City

These two wanted to have a dark and moody vibe to the end of their day. That’s why they decided to add in a swanky outfit change and head to their favorite cigar lounge. They grabbed cigars and cafecitos and hung out for an uber gangster/sultry vibe inside the cigar lounge. And of course, we ended the day popping champagne to celebrate their marriage!

Thinking About Planning Your Armature Works Elopement?

If Keila and Kelli’s wedding day got inspired for your Armature Works elopement, then I would love to show you how it can all come together.

As a Tampa elopement photographer, I specialize in helping couples create their dream elopement experiences by providing expert and local guidance. I help with everything from location researching, timeline creation, permit guidance, and vendor recommendations. I’m here to make sure your day feels like an adventure handcrafted for you…not a chore.

Ready to create your own Mead Botanical Garden elopement?

Armature Works Elopement Vendors

Photographer: Anna Holden Photo
Hair & Make Up Artist: Adore Bridal Hair and Makeup
Ceremony Location: Tampa Riverwalk
Lunch Location: Empamamas inside Armature Works
Cigars: Tabanero Cigars

Armature Works Elopement Photography

Meet Your Armature Works Elopement Photographer